Big news: A mass-market door manufacturer has finally introduced a line of mid century style doors. Yes, Therma-Tru has introduced a new line of retro style front doors. The new “Pulse” line of doors — available in oak grained fiberglass, smooth (paintable) fiberglass, and steel — come in four styles: the Ari, Echo, Linea and Solei. The doors are made in Indiana, Therma-Tru told us.
Introduced in late March (2013), these mid century doors from Therma-Tru are available in several sizes, two finishes of fiberglass(wood look or paintable) or in steel and have quite a few glass options.
Following is the news release from Therma-Tru on this new product launch:
Therma-Tru Launches Pulse™ Line of Entry Doors
Therma-Tru, the nation’s leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of entry doors, has introduced the bold and inspired new line of Pulse™ modern-style doors.
Accented with clean lines and crisp angles, Pulse entry doors cater to homeowners seeking to celebrate their own special sense of style. The contemporary door styles reflect four aesthetic feelings that many homeowners wish to capture in their home entry areas: Eclectically Chic, Mid-Century Modern, Retrospective and Distinctively Modern.
“These were the show-stopper doors in our booth at the 2013 International Builders’ Show,” says Derek Fielding, senior product manager for Therma-Tru Corp. “Pulse doors capture a modern feel, but at the same time bring you back to the 1940s through 1960s when door styles were simple.
“The Mid-Century Modern style is reflected in architecture, design and even furnishings found in the home from roughly 1933 to 1965. The goal during the post-war era was to bring modernism into America’s suburban areas. For homes, the emphasis was on creating open floor plans with lots of opportunities to bring the outdoors inside. A great example is the classic home found in the old Brady Bunch television show. The interior of the home was spacious, and the front entry door had a sleek, retro style to accent the home.”
Pam gasps: No inserts like this, please, if you’re trying to be true to mid century style.
Fielding also cites the simple, pure living of Distinctly Modern styles that the Pulse doors complement in the home. “Whether you’re a homeowner with a funky, personalized living space or a completely modern open style of home, these doors are ideal for you,” says Fielding. “Pulse doors deliver a unique blend of geometric glass shapes and door that can be combined to take cues from the past and future so that homeowners who crave artistic expression can select their own special door style.”
Available in oak-grained fiberglass, smooth (paintable) fiberglass and steel, Pulse doors come in both 6’8″ and 8’0″ heights. Therma-Tru offers the Pulse door line in four different styles — Ari, Solei, Echo and Linea. The doors all have four Privacy Glass options (Chord, Chinchilla, Rainglass and Granite) along with Clear Low-E and Internal Blinds. The Linea style is available with these same glass insert options plus decorative glass options of Blackstone®, Crystalline™, Sedona, Salinas®, Element, Maple Park®, Avonlea®, Saratoga™, Texas Star, Arden® and Crystal Diamonds™.
Pam says: I’m not so keen on the rain glass either. Just get the CLEAR glass.
“The new Pulse product line gives design-conscious homeowners the opportunity to select an entry door that was inspired by the simple styles developed originally by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the United States and the Bauhaus design school in Germany,” says Fielding. “These influences are timeless. We’re finding that homeowners are once again embracing this upbeat living architectural movement as they make a statement on their home with a door that complements feelings of modern sensibilities, retro glamour and fashionably chic.”
Check tax credits when you buy an Energy Star door
Tip: When you’re checking on cost, see if this door qualifies for a federal tax credit related to energy savings.
About fiberglass doors
Since neither Pam nor I have had experience with fiberglass doors — and are not sure how they measure up against wood and steel entry doors — we asked Therma-Tru for info on this, as well. Kathy sent us this (excerpted):
… The polyurethane foam core [of Therma-Tru’s fiberglass doors] offers up to four times the energy efficiency of a wood door and contains no CFCs. A solid hardwood square edge for strong performance that reproduces the look of a real wood door surrounds the foam core and a wood lock stile runs the entire length of the door to add structural integrity and heft. Covering the insulation materials is a door skin. Fiberglass door skins can be made to replicate real wood (which can be stained and finished easily) or come in smooth, paintable surfaces. The fiberglass door skin resists denting, cracking, splitting and splintering. It also resists rust, shrinking or swelling with temperature changes, or warping.
Barbra said: “I’d like to relate some horror story to show the pain and suffering I endured to justify that I waited THREE years to do this, but it was embarrassingly easy.”
Links to these products, and our archive of mid century curb appeal ideas:
SInce Crestview increased pricing in July by over 400%, I called Thermatru and the Linea door with Granite glass will cost $389 (versus nearly $2600 for the Parkway). The tax credit and energy efficiency of Thermatrus product make the choice a no brainer for us.
This is excellent information Pam. Our front door is rotting away and the front door has been on the to do list for some time. Eventually another coat of paint will not take care of the issue. I like this alternative. It helps to have multiple manufacturers available as it does force the prices down over time. So this is good for all of us. Great update. Always appreciate your materials posts.
Reesays
Love these new door options. Wish they had been available when I replaced my front door on my 1955 house last year. I went with a fiberglass door with a large clear glass insert. I have steel doors in two other locations in my house, but they are cold to the touch in winter. Love the fiberglass because it is paint friendly and is not cold to the touch in winter. When I get around to replacing the steel doors, these will definitely be on my list of options.
Bradsays
Great news indeed as more style interest among homeowners will perhaps bring more mid-century modern products to the marketplace at affordable prices from mass manufacturers and retailers.
How about a feature on interesting (and inexpensive) INTERIOR door design options. I live in a Robert Green (google him)designed condo community in Atlanta and would like to replace the cheap slab doors added during the condo conversion with something beyond the typical big box offerings.
Any ideas fellow readers?
pam kuebersays
The first place I would look is the Brosco catalog…
Juliesays
I have been looking for simple interior doors and have found nothing. I would like a wood door similar to what is available for commercial buildings and would like a product made in the US. I believe there are some out there made in China but . . .
Tikitackysays
I am THRILLED about this as we’ve been debating a Crestview door for the MCM we are restoring; but with everything else to do, they’ve been out of reach. Very nice, thank you for the heads up. Have you ever come across anyone besides Crestview that makes decorative panels for room dividers or sliding doors? That would make a pretty faboo story.
THANK YOU PAM!!! I have been worrying about an alternative source for an interior screen. No longer are Crestviews screens tangible. You have completely saved our project 🙂
lisesays
Hi, Pam.
The Brady Bunch may be great for 1970s references (it ran from 1969-74) but for true mid-century retro thrills, I recommend watching the tv series “Bachelor Father”!!!
“Bachelor Father” — especially the first season in which he lives in a California ranch-style rustic-look cedar-stained home — has it all: African-themed decor on the walls, low lean sofas, mini bar, oversized table lamps, etc. etc. LOVE it!!! A visual feast in black and white! The show ran from 1957-1962 and the decor is fantastic!!!
It’s on syndication in the US but youtube has some episodes, too. Enjoy!!!
This post came at exactly the right time, I’ve been on the hunt for a less expensive alternative to Crestview for an upcoming siding & windows renovation. I was worried about the energy efficiency of the wood door for our harsh Minnesota winters. Let’s be honest, I want to paint my door a funky color, so wood was not really something I was looking for and wood requires a lot of upkeep with the harsh elements here. Now I just need to find out if any of the show rooms in our area actually have any in to check out before we buy.
gsciencechicksays
Our French doors are fiberglass with the blinds between the glass. We got them a few years ago and used the Energy Star credit that was available at that time. They have made a huge difference in the draftiness in that area of the kitchen.
Luckily, we still have our original 3-window wood door at the front entry, but we also have a storm door which also helps.
RetroRobinsays
We are in the middle of renovating our 1960’s split level and I just ordered the linea door last week. Getting a price was a huge pain in the butt and took several weeks but ours is running around $530. That’s with smooth fiberglass (I think wood grain was an extra $150 and staining by them another $300) and chinchilla glass (sorry Pam :-). Clear glass would have been around $100 cheaper. I’ll have to give a proper review once it gets here later this month. I’m happy I found these doors since therma tru was one of my contractor’s preferred brands.
On a side note, Home Depot also sells these doors. They were the first ones to get me pricing actually. Just make sure they have the newest catalogue if you go there to get one.
pam kuebersays
Thanks for the info, RetroRobin!
pam kuebersays
Oh – did the $530 include the frame?
RetroRobinsays
Yes, that price includes the frame.
pam kuebersays
Thanks, Robin. Let us know when you get it in — we’d love to know how it looks and whether you are 100% satisfied. Thanks!
RetroRobinsays
I still need to post a picture once I repaint it but I love this door! It looks great and we have received several compliments on it from neighbors and friends. It looks infinitely better than the mid 80’s door we replaced with this one. Don’t know what happened with the prices over the summer, maybe since crestview raised their prices there is more demand.
On a side note, back in the summer I stopped at thermatru’s headquarters to ask about this door and mentioned this website. I’m sure their marketing department appreciates all the free advertising and I think they may be keeping an eye on this board now 🙂
pam kuebersays
Great! I definitely want to see a photo when you’re done, RetroRobin! Hmmmmm…. I need to send ThermaTru an invite to advertise!
Cherylsays
Hiya,
You’re probably not around the Pacific NW, right? I got $770 pricing for a steel door and fiberglass should be more (I’m going to try Home Depot tomorrow). I’m hoping to find a lower price like you got but was wondering if your seller was local to me by any far off chance.
Thanks.
modern girlsays
We are in the PNW. One dealer took days to get a quote, the other gave us a price immediately. The quote was for Fiberglass (not steel). I am going to call around and just verify who gives the best price.
I’m soooooo bummed 🙁 We bought Therma Tru double front doors last August and had to get solid fiberglas with no windows. At that time they offered nothing that fit the house. By the way folks… they are wonderful doors, very secure and super efficient thermally.
I wanted to add that since we intended to paint flat doors mustard yellow to begin with, the fiberglas option is perfect for us. It truly doesn’t dent like steel or peel like wood. Eventually we plan to make the doors more like a work of art so maybe we’re better off without the windows. Just another FYI: I called both our security system and home insurance providers and talked with the local policeman who stopped by to see how the renovation was coming before we chose the doors. All three recommended a fiberglas door over wood or steel. They are much tougher to break into and almost all fiberglas exterior doors have a thick steel inner core. We actually got a small price break on our home insurance for putting in the fiberglas as they are certified as firewalls too. With the tax credit and other savings we almost got half of the double doors for free.
The original doors were too damaged to salvage. The wood around the door knob and latch had been shattered. When we took possession of it last June the doors were literally chained together with a heavy padlock from the inside. We could only come in the back door until it was replaced.
Pattysays
My original mid-50s wood door is not warped or peeled. I suspect it has something to do with having a storm door and an original metal awning above the entrance.
I’ve also heard your door frame has more to do with security than the material the door is made of.
For privacy and security reasons, I prefer doors that do not have clear windows or windows at all. One can also break a glass window and possibly reach in to unlock it.
pam kuebersays
Yikes! Sounds like you have good doors now! Thanks for the tip on reducing insurance costs as well!
Jaysays
Kimberj, thanks for sharing the info about the fiberglass doors re: strength and insurance co. discount. Something to look into now.
Big news: A mass-market door manufacturer has finally introduced a line of mid century style doors. Yes, Therma-Tru has introduced a new line of retro style front doors. The new “Pulse” line of doors — available in oak grained fiberglass, smooth (paintable) fiberglass, and steel — come in four styles: the Ari, Echo, Linea and Solei. The doors are made in Indiana, Therma-Tru told us.
modern girl says
SInce Crestview increased pricing in July by over 400%, I called Thermatru and the Linea door with Granite glass will cost $389 (versus nearly $2600 for the Parkway). The tax credit and energy efficiency of Thermatrus product make the choice a no brainer for us.
rebecca@midcenturymodernremodel says
This is excellent information Pam. Our front door is rotting away and the front door has been on the to do list for some time. Eventually another coat of paint will not take care of the issue. I like this alternative. It helps to have multiple manufacturers available as it does force the prices down over time. So this is good for all of us. Great update. Always appreciate your materials posts.
Ree says
Love these new door options. Wish they had been available when I replaced my front door on my 1955 house last year. I went with a fiberglass door with a large clear glass insert. I have steel doors in two other locations in my house, but they are cold to the touch in winter. Love the fiberglass because it is paint friendly and is not cold to the touch in winter. When I get around to replacing the steel doors, these will definitely be on my list of options.
Brad says
Great news indeed as more style interest among homeowners will perhaps bring more mid-century modern products to the marketplace at affordable prices from mass manufacturers and retailers.
How about a feature on interesting (and inexpensive) INTERIOR door design options. I live in a Robert Green (google him)designed condo community in Atlanta and would like to replace the cheap slab doors added during the condo conversion with something beyond the typical big box offerings.
Any ideas fellow readers?
pam kueber says
The first place I would look is the Brosco catalog…
Julie says
I have been looking for simple interior doors and have found nothing. I would like a wood door similar to what is available for commercial buildings and would like a product made in the US. I believe there are some out there made in China but . . .
Tikitacky says
I am THRILLED about this as we’ve been debating a Crestview door for the MCM we are restoring; but with everything else to do, they’ve been out of reach. Very nice, thank you for the heads up. Have you ever come across anyone besides Crestview that makes decorative panels for room dividers or sliding doors? That would make a pretty faboo story.
pam kueber says
See this story, tikitacky, for another option we’ve spotlighted before: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/10/12/mid-century-modern-lattice-from-acurio-latticeworks/
modern girl says
THANK YOU PAM!!! I have been worrying about an alternative source for an interior screen. No longer are Crestviews screens tangible. You have completely saved our project 🙂
lise says
Hi, Pam.
The Brady Bunch may be great for 1970s references (it ran from 1969-74) but for true mid-century retro thrills, I recommend watching the tv series “Bachelor Father”!!!
“Bachelor Father” — especially the first season in which he lives in a California ranch-style rustic-look cedar-stained home — has it all: African-themed decor on the walls, low lean sofas, mini bar, oversized table lamps, etc. etc. LOVE it!!! A visual feast in black and white! The show ran from 1957-1962 and the decor is fantastic!!!
It’s on syndication in the US but youtube has some episodes, too. Enjoy!!!
Casey says
This post came at exactly the right time, I’ve been on the hunt for a less expensive alternative to Crestview for an upcoming siding & windows renovation. I was worried about the energy efficiency of the wood door for our harsh Minnesota winters. Let’s be honest, I want to paint my door a funky color, so wood was not really something I was looking for and wood requires a lot of upkeep with the harsh elements here. Now I just need to find out if any of the show rooms in our area actually have any in to check out before we buy.
gsciencechick says
Our French doors are fiberglass with the blinds between the glass. We got them a few years ago and used the Energy Star credit that was available at that time. They have made a huge difference in the draftiness in that area of the kitchen.
Luckily, we still have our original 3-window wood door at the front entry, but we also have a storm door which also helps.
RetroRobin says
We are in the middle of renovating our 1960’s split level and I just ordered the linea door last week. Getting a price was a huge pain in the butt and took several weeks but ours is running around $530. That’s with smooth fiberglass (I think wood grain was an extra $150 and staining by them another $300) and chinchilla glass (sorry Pam :-). Clear glass would have been around $100 cheaper. I’ll have to give a proper review once it gets here later this month. I’m happy I found these doors since therma tru was one of my contractor’s preferred brands.
On a side note, Home Depot also sells these doors. They were the first ones to get me pricing actually. Just make sure they have the newest catalogue if you go there to get one.
pam kueber says
Thanks for the info, RetroRobin!
pam kueber says
Oh – did the $530 include the frame?
RetroRobin says
Yes, that price includes the frame.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Robin. Let us know when you get it in — we’d love to know how it looks and whether you are 100% satisfied. Thanks!
RetroRobin says
I still need to post a picture once I repaint it but I love this door! It looks great and we have received several compliments on it from neighbors and friends. It looks infinitely better than the mid 80’s door we replaced with this one. Don’t know what happened with the prices over the summer, maybe since crestview raised their prices there is more demand.
On a side note, back in the summer I stopped at thermatru’s headquarters to ask about this door and mentioned this website. I’m sure their marketing department appreciates all the free advertising and I think they may be keeping an eye on this board now 🙂
pam kueber says
Great! I definitely want to see a photo when you’re done, RetroRobin! Hmmmmm…. I need to send ThermaTru an invite to advertise!
Cheryl says
Hiya,
You’re probably not around the Pacific NW, right? I got $770 pricing for a steel door and fiberglass should be more (I’m going to try Home Depot tomorrow). I’m hoping to find a lower price like you got but was wondering if your seller was local to me by any far off chance.
Thanks.
modern girl says
We are in the PNW. One dealer took days to get a quote, the other gave us a price immediately. The quote was for Fiberglass (not steel). I am going to call around and just verify who gives the best price.
Kimberj says
I’m soooooo bummed 🙁 We bought Therma Tru double front doors last August and had to get solid fiberglas with no windows. At that time they offered nothing that fit the house. By the way folks… they are wonderful doors, very secure and super efficient thermally.
Kimberj says
I wanted to add that since we intended to paint flat doors mustard yellow to begin with, the fiberglas option is perfect for us. It truly doesn’t dent like steel or peel like wood. Eventually we plan to make the doors more like a work of art so maybe we’re better off without the windows. Just another FYI: I called both our security system and home insurance providers and talked with the local policeman who stopped by to see how the renovation was coming before we chose the doors. All three recommended a fiberglas door over wood or steel. They are much tougher to break into and almost all fiberglas exterior doors have a thick steel inner core. We actually got a small price break on our home insurance for putting in the fiberglas as they are certified as firewalls too. With the tax credit and other savings we almost got half of the double doors for free.
The original doors were too damaged to salvage. The wood around the door knob and latch had been shattered. When we took possession of it last June the doors were literally chained together with a heavy padlock from the inside. We could only come in the back door until it was replaced.
Patty says
My original mid-50s wood door is not warped or peeled. I suspect it has something to do with having a storm door and an original metal awning above the entrance.
I’ve also heard your door frame has more to do with security than the material the door is made of.
For privacy and security reasons, I prefer doors that do not have clear windows or windows at all. One can also break a glass window and possibly reach in to unlock it.
pam kueber says
Yikes! Sounds like you have good doors now! Thanks for the tip on reducing insurance costs as well!
Jay says
Kimberj, thanks for sharing the info about the fiberglass doors re: strength and insurance co. discount. Something to look into now.